WhatsApp gets an interesting new emoji, plus improved search

While the beta version of WhatsApp Messenger has been updated almost continuously with new features, we haven’t seen many of these features make it over to the publicly available version of the application. Today, however, that’s changed with the latest update,version 2.12.170, which finally brings many of the beta app’s features to the public application.

Specifically, the new version brings a new emoji — yes, you can now send your friends the middle finger — as well as in-app audio notifications, and improved search that lets you find messages, chats, and contacts more easily.

WhatsApp, which now has 900 million total active users every single month, is the most popular instant messaging application in the world, with Facebook Messenger as a close second. Also owned by Facebook, WhatsApp is one of the few applications that works across all platforms, and the support that we’ve seen for Windows 10 Mobile and Windows Phone has been unmatched by most other messging apps (yes, we’re looking at you, Kik and Tango).

The new WhatsApp update can be downloaded via the Microsoft Store using the QR code and download link below. Give us your thoughts on the new WhatsApp update in the comments section or via our community.

Josh Robert Nay is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of TruTower and the Editor in Chief of Pocket And PC. He has worked in the telecommunications industry since 2003 and specializes in GSM based technology. He also uses (too many) VoIP apps and is a long-time user of BlackBerry, Android, and Windows Phone. He adores anything having to do with space exploration and writing and is also an aspiring violinist.